Embrace the Outdoors with OPL's October Challenge

Soak up the wonders of our forests and witness their beauty this fall season.

From afar, the beauty of our forests is stunning in all its autumn splendor. From within, the smells and sounds are like elixirs for our well-being. The woodlands’ mystery and magic have a positive effect on our mental, physical, and psychological health. Forest bathing, the act of peacefully surrounding yourself in nature, revitalizes the spirit and increases energy and joy. The Japanese have understood nature’s rejuvenating power, and have practiced the art of forest bathing for centuries.

Scientists, physicians, and individuals worldwide affirm that being in the forest or any green space —also known as forest bathing — has health benefits.

Sometimes it may seem like we are on an accelerating treadmill that continues to speed up as our responsibilities, worries, fear, stress, and anxiety grow. It may be difficult to practice mindful listening because we are too distracted by other aspects of life. Venturing into the woods allows us to step off the treadmill and pause. Surrounded by nature, we can be still and listen to what our unconscious mind may be trying to tell us.

Spending time in the woods draws attention away from ourselves and into the wild world of wonder. By practicing gratitude for the earth around us and marveling at how interconnected we are, we can decompress and emerge from the woods feeling rejuvenated. In The Sense of Wonder, Rachael Carson wrote, “There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.” Spending time in a forest can increase your overall wellness, reducing stress, anxiety, depression and addiction. Forest bathing can also lower your risk of obesity and diabetes and may even lower your blood pressure.

So, what wonders of the forest will you behold? Take an hour to disconnect from social media and daily life pressures, and open yourself up to seeing the world in a whole new way!

Join the movement with One Planet Life’s Embrace the Outdoors Challenge today!

Experience the majesty of our natural world with OPL’s October challenge. This month, you will be challenged to explore the beauty around you, practice gratitude for the planet, and find your zen. Upon joining the challenge, you will receive a set of challenge-specific Joyful Changes added to your existing sustainability journey.

The Embrace the Outdoors Challenge includes various Joyful Changes that can help you gain a better appreciation of the world around you. You can track your Action Item progress on the One Planet Life app. This month’s activities include taking a forest bath, cleaning up a green space, tending to a garden, picking up trash and leaving no trace while hiking, and more!

The One Planet Life App Makes It Easy to Track Your Challenge Progress

To sign up for the Embrace the Outdoors Challenge, tap the “Challenges” tab at the bottom of the One Planet Life app. Once you tap “Join Challenge,” the Life Center tab will display a set of temporary, challenge-specific Joyful Changes for you to complete. These Joyful Changes are temporarily added to your Life Center for the month of October. Challenge items are indicated by a trophy icon. These action items are separate from any existing journey-specific Joyful Changes you may already have in your Life Center.

When you complete a challenge activity, mark it as complete by tapping the radio button next to the Joyful Change. And don’t forget to check out the Challenge leaderboard periodically to see how participants are progressing!